: Dr. Cwanza Pinckney, an ER doctor in Houston, is currently treating patients who have the virus while working at several hospitals in the Houston, Texas, metro area.

She offers tips on how to champion yourself in a pandemic. (thread)

Preplan. Talk to your doctor; inquire about telemedicine in case you get sick. Know where the closest testing facility is. Know what hospitals are near you.

Keep written documentation of your medical history and medicines.

When we are asked if we have medical problems, we may not tell the whole story. Be transparent if your provider is not proactive in asking you detailed questions.

Ask for clarification. Communication barriers are real. If there is something you do not understand, ask the provider to explain it more clearly.

Once you’re in isolation at the hospital, there are no visitors allowed.

Get the name of the doctor treating you and ask them how they will communicate with your contact so that they receive medical updates.

If you’re feeling ignored or not cared for, ask to speak to a nurse manager or patient advocate, which a lot of hospitals have.

The advocate can come in to help and will talk to the provider to bridge the gap.

More from Dr. Pinckney on how to advocate for yourself during a visit to the ER: https://zora.medium.com/how-to-advocate-for-yourself-during-an-emergency-room-visit-23e9ca20549d